Buying or Adopting a Miniature Poodle

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Miniature Poodle the right breed for you?

Miniature Poodle Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Miniature Poodle?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Mini Poodle stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, flyball); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• Brushing – minimal to moderate (depending on how short you clip the coat)
• Trimming/clipping – every few months
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Miniature Poodles are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Poodle to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Miniature Poodle, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Miniature Poodle?

Mini Poodles are very common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Poodles rank 7th. Now, that statistic combines all Poodle sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), but that's okay because all three sizes are common.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Miniature Poodles (and Poodle crosses) are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Mini Poodles may be turned over to Rescue because they need more grooming or daily companionship than the owner is willing or able to provide. Sometimes there are health issues, or shyness or anxiety issues. Other Poodles are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Miniature Poodles are sometimes found here, but Poodle Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. If a Miniature Poodle turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Miniature Poodle from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. But I recommend that you avoid breeders who ONLY show their dogs in the conformation (appearance) ring. Some of these dogs only seem to have half a brain. It's okay if a breeder shows in conformation if he ALSO emphasizes high trainability.

You can also buy a Miniature Poodle from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Miniature Poodle puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees

Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Miniature Poodle puppy should have:

• a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a severe hereditary eye disease called PRA.

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Miniature Poodle ends up blind, and lame from bad joints.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Poodles of all sizes are frequently found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Miniature Poodle Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Miniature Poodle puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Miniature Poodle puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?

Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.